New Zealand cricketing great Martin Crowe has called for “the angst and hate” to be taken out of the game.
Crowe says one lesson as cricket reflects in the aftermath of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes’ tragic death is that “the game needs to calm down”.
“Removing the lip, that negative intent, is what we can learn,” he wrote in a column for ESPNcricinfo.com.
“By all means bowl bouncers with skill and precision, but take out the angst and hate, the sledging and the media barbs, and just go out and express your version of your courage and skill for your team.”
He said cricket had become “too lippy, too edgy”.
“Let’s chill a bit in general, as a good lesson and reminder, to keep the game authentic.”
Hughes died last Thursday, three days short of his 26th birthday, after being hit on the back of the head by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match last Tuesday.
Crowe felt for the bowler, 22-year-old seamer Sean Abbott, who he said wasn’t guilty of “any angst, of wanting any mental disintegration in his opponent”.
He said Abbott was going about learning his trade and trying to get an in-form batsman out.
“He bowled a skilful ball, right over off stump, perfect height to challenge the pull or hook to entice a catch,” he said.
“He was doing his job earnestly.”
But Crowe believed the game would change and it would gradually become less critical to win at all costs.
“We should smile when stumps are drawn and be grateful for the day’s cricket, the genuine sharing of camaraderie between two teams,” he said.
“We can calm this game down by playing with more joy within, the kind one impressive Phillip Hughes showed.”
DMC
Guest
Chip on shoulder? Pot & kettle. Crowe was referring to cricket in general, not Australian cricket. Although of course Australian cricketers are the worst offenders (I will say it), who constantly say they know where the line in the sand is and don't cross it. Only problem is, their line is moved to wherever they are standing! And that is not just based on watching international cricket, also based on playing a lot of cricket against/with australians and other nationalities.
Cantab
Guest
I have to say that I completely agree with him and are happy for the ICC to come down on bad chat. I don't really think any country is worse than any other, ATM. If nothing else the very sad Hughes incident has brought together the international cricket community.
Craig Watson
Guest
Touche BBA. . Martin Crowe is one of the gentlemen of our great game. And I am not a Kiwi if that us what you are thinking. He is right...there is far too much angst in our game. It is just a game for god sakes, so play it in the gentlemanly way not like a bunch of yobs.
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
All good intentions I am sure. But it wouldn't last. With players' careers, lots of money, country prestige etc etc at stake whenever they play, it wouldn't be long before they would want to get whatever edge over their opponent that they could get. That includes sledging. And bowling bouncers.
BBA
Guest
Well at least you have no hypocrisy or chips on your shoulder, as demostrated by your your elegant, graceful and lucid post ...
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Having returned to cricket after a long absence I find the constant chirping only occassionally amusing. Otherwise it varies from inane to rude. Though I must say everyone shakes hands and says well done, then goes back to the pub for a laugh. Separate pubs of course.
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
You've just got to love the hypocrisy & marvel at how large the chip really is on Mr Crowe's shoulder. This statement has nothing to do with the incident & is simply a poor excuse to slur the Aus cricket team. At least he's competitive enough for decades of beatings still not sitting right. I've grown to expect nothing less from the All Blacks on a rugby pitch.
twodogs
Guest
Please.